Warning Over Black Market Drugs

Department of Health officials are warning the public that a quantity of potentially dangerous licensed medicines may be in circulation on the black market.

The drugs which include tramadol capsules, diazepam tablets, co-codamol tablets zolpidem tablets and zopiclone tablets are thought to be in circulation as a result of illegal diversion from the legitimate supply chain. This was uncovered as a result of investigations undertaken by the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group.

Professor Mike Mawhinney, Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group in the Department said: “I would urge the public to be vigilant and ensure that they do not put their health at risk by purchasing medication from an illicit source. The medicines involved are potent and are subject to abuse. People should take medicines in consultation with their healthcare professionals who have access to patient health records, who are qualified to assess their medical needs and can take into account the risks and benefits associated with every medicine.”

He added: “We would ask the public to report to the Medicines Regulatory Group or the PSNI any incidences where they have been offered any medicines from an unregulated source.”